Reduced EDT Programme

November 16th, 2018

In early 2019 new Regulations will allow drivers from outside of Ireland who hold a current valid car licence but come from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland to apply for a learner permit and complete a reduced EDT programme and apply for an Irish licence on completion of the mandatory Reduced EDT programme and successful passing of the Irish practical driving test.

What is the Reduced EDT Programme?

The Reduced EDT programme is a mandatory driver training programme for drivers from outside of Ireland who currently hold a valid full car licence but come from a country who does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland.

What EDT sessions will eligible drivers be required to complete?

Drivers having established their eligibility through the NDLS and who have received a learner permit will be required to complete the Reduced EDT Programme sessions 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 before sitting the practical Driving Test.

How does it impact on ADIs?

This group of drivers are required to complete EDT sessions 1,5,6,7, 9 and 10 before they can take a driving test in Ireland. Additional formal training carried out by an ADI may be required to ensure that each student is competent to pass the Irish Driving Test and drive in a safe and socially responsible way in the Irish driving environment.

How will an ADI know that a person is eligible for the Reduced EDT programme?

It is the individual responsibility of each driver to establish eligibility for the Reduced EDT programme before engaging an ADI. This will be done by submitting the relevant documentation to the NDLS/RSA Driver Licensing section whereby a letter of entitlement will be issued to each qualifying driver. When an ADI uploads EDT session 1 on to the EDT portal, the portal will display the Reduced EDT page only, further confirming the eligibility of the driver.

Will ADIs be required to issue an EDT Logbook and will there be a Logbook specifically for the Reduced EDT Programme?

Yes, ADIs are required to issue an EDT Logbook to each driver after the Reduced EDT session 1 has been completed. There will be no new Logbook specifically for the Reduced EDT programme. Existing EDT Logbooks will still be used with the requirement for ADIs to correctly complete, sign and stamp EDT sessions 1, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 only. The Reduced EDT programme can only be completed and uploaded to the EDT Portal in the sequence set out above.

What about the ‘6 month rule’?

Drivers who are eligible for the Reduced EDT programme will not be required to wait six months before taking the practical Irish Driving Test.

Further Information will be communicated to ADIs in advance of the implementation date of the Reduced EDT training programme.